As the sun began its ascent over the horizon, I stepped onto my balcony, my heart racing with anticipation as our ship approached Ocean Cay, a private island and marine sanctuary managed by MSC Cruises in the serene expanse of the Bahamas. The transformation of this once industrial land into a tranquil paradise is nothing
Cruise
In an intensely competitive market, the cruise industry continually strives to elevate the passenger experience through unique culinary offerings. For decades, top cruise lines have looked to the culinary world for partnerships with renowned chefs to create dining experiences that are both sophisticated and memorable. Crystal Cruises has recognized the necessity of adapting to these
Bar Harbor, a picturesque town nestled along the New England coastline, faces a pivotal moment in November as residents prepare to vote on the controversial 1,000-passenger daily limit for cruise ship visitors. Initially enacted during a referendum in November 2022, this regulation aims to control the influx of cruise passengers—a move that has sparked passionate
In an exciting development for adventure travel enthusiasts, G Adventures has unveiled plans to launch a fleet of five 10-passenger sailing yachts for its 2025 itineraries in the stunning Greek islands. This forward-thinking initiative marks a significant evolution in how travelers can explore the rich culture and breathtaking landscapes of Greece. The introduction of these
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is poised to make waves in the cruise industry with its upcoming Prima Plus class vessels: Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, set to launch in 2025 and 2026, respectively. Building on the foundation laid by the Prima class, which debuted in 2022, these new ships promise to elevate the cruising experience
In the cruise industry, the traditional format of a week-long voyage often leaves little room for additional exploration at the starting or ending destinations. As Jean-Paul Rodrigue, a maritime business administration professor at Texas A&M University-Galveston, points out, travelers usually operate within tight vacation schedules. Their main objective is to maximize their limited time off,
The story of the Titania is one woven into the fabric of maritime folklore, particularly by those who fish the waters surrounding Alejandro Selkirk Island in Chile. For years, local fishermen, including the seasoned Gino Perez, had shared the tales of this World War I-era supply ship that met its fate on the ocean floor
The Norwegian Aqua, set to debut in March, represents a significant evolution within the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) fleet. Distinct from its predecessors, the Norwegian Prima and Viva, Aqua has been designed with a focus on enhancing passenger experience while incorporating valuable feedback from guests and travel partners. At 156,300 gross tons and 1,056 feet
Avoya Travel, a prominent player in the travel industry and ranked No. 36 on Travel Weekly’s Power List, has recently unveiled a groundbreaking booking engine designed to transform the way consumers book cruises. Dubbed the “Avoya Live Bookings” engine, this platform empowers travelers to make their own cruise reservations through the AvoyaTravel.com website. Once a
Margaritaville at Sea is charting an exciting course by introducing new itineraries to Nassau, enhancing the overall cruising experience for travelers. Starting January, the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise will embark on voyages from Palm Beach, Florida, allowing cruise enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the laid-back lifestyle synonymous with the Margaritaville brand. This move reflects not
Windstar Cruises is poised to elevate the experience aboard its sailing ship, Wind Surf, with renovations that promise to redefine its luxurious ambiance. Scheduled for completion in December 2023, the first phase of these renovations will take place in Cadiz, Spain. By infusing modern design elements that draw inspiration from some of the most opulent
Viking’s journey began in 1979, carving out a niche in the river cruise market, and it quickly became synonymous with this leisure travel segment. At present, Viking commands a staggering 51% market share amongst river cruise companies, a significant lead ahead of AmaWaterways, which holds only 18%. This substantial control has led to the perception
CruiseWorld, a significant annual gathering for travel professionals, returns to the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center from November 6 to 8, 2024. This year, the event is brought to life by Northstar Travel Group in collaboration with Visit Lauderdale, which serves as the official destination sponsor. The conference promises to be a rich environment
In a landscape where luxury hotels and cruise lines vie for the attention of affluent travelers, the transition of industry leaders between these domains often brings fresh insights and innovative approaches. Anna Nash, the newly appointed president of Explora Journeys, previously served as the chief commercial officer at Aman—a brand synonymous with exclusive, immersive experiences.
In recent years, businesses across various sectors have turned to loyalty programs to enhance customer retention and increase customer lifetime value. While this trend is prominent in fast-food chains and airlines, the cruise industry has historically faced challenges in cultivating lasting loyalty. However, as consumer expectations evolve, expedition cruise lines are beginning to adapt their
The travel industry is currently grappling with a phenomenon known as “normalization,” a term that encapsulates the shift from explosive post-pandemic recovery to a steadier state of growth. This concept was a focal point at the recent Global Summit hosted by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) in Perth, Australia. Industry experts convened to
As the travel sector continues to rebound from the devastation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the term “normalization” emerges prominently in discussions concerning the industry’s trajectory. This concept hints at the gradual return to pre-pandemic growth rates, albeit against a backdrop where those rates appear to be leveling off. During the recent World Travel &
The SS United States, once a crown jewel of maritime transport, now faces a poignant conclusion to its storied life. This monumental vessel, celebrated for its speed and grandeur during the mid-20th century, is potentially set to become an artificial reef off the coast of Florida—raising questions about its legacy and the future of historical